Alopecia World
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School talk!
Today I talked to 2 of my daughter's 6 grade classes. Last year I spoke to them about 3/4 of the way through the school year (at her request), this year she just wanted it done right away. I did the same "info speech" as last year, but I went into the classroom this year with a glittery frog attached to my head. Why, you ask? I wanted to see what the kids would do. They just sat respectfully and listened while I explained the condition. Then I opened it up for questions and the first class, first question was, "why do you have a frog on your head?". First, I thanked them for not laughing at me, pointing at me or trying to knock it off my head, that I knew they would be just as respectful to Signe with her hats and bandanas. Second, I asked them if they thought the frog changed anything about me...I was still the same super cool Mom, right? I also pointed out that I understand that it's hard not to look at something that is out of the ordinary, like a frog on a head or a beautiful girl with a bald head and that is O.k. The second class was funny because no one ever asked about it! I finally brought it up and one girl thought it was a great accessory! The last child to raise his hand for a question simple stated, "You should tell Signe not to worry, it could be anyone". They were amazing. Anyone else have special things they do when "educating" kids on Alopecia?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Alliegator on
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That is a wonderful & inspiring story! I have a much younger brother & sister. They have been very wonderful & supportive about me wearing wigs & scarves. My Mom says that every once in a while my brother will ask her if I am sick or if I have cancer and she says no. I don't think he understands since so many people associate baldness with cancer.
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Permalink Reply by Sonya M. on
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Wow- I love your story!! I have wanted to do the same thing in my school. I teach Kindergarten and my son is in 5th grade. I asked him if he would mind if I spoke to the 4th and 5th graders about AA. You know at that age, they are totally into their looks and worry about what others think of them. I want to use AA as a tool to help others- I mean,,, WHY NOT?? RIght?? Thanks for your inspirational story. I will keep you posted on what he decides. :)
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Permalink Reply by Tallgirl on
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You might also slip in tips on handling bullies, because that is what teasers are, even if they excuse it with ,"I wuz just playin'." I tell them we all have something, or someone in our family does, that we wouldn't want to be exploited or ridiculed. "How would you (your dad, your baby brother, best friend) feel if teased by bullies every day?" That gets them a bit more sensitive to teasing and noticing/reporting it before it hurts someone.
Then maybe include a super-hero aspect: how alopecians and others with differences gain a super-friend sense (ability to befriend everyone) because they are aware of feelings more than regular humans and have greater endurance emotionally by age 30. This gets the boys thinking about being super, and may get the girls to include and defend someone previously excluded.
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Permalink Reply by Maria Jeremiason _ Signe's Mom on
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Great ideas...thank you!
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I am so excited! I spoke with my principal today regarding speaking to the 4th and 5th graders at my school. She wants me to also include the 3rd graders as well! :) I am anxious to get started on my presentation. If you can offer any pointers or tips, I'd LOVE to hear them!! Thank you!!
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That is wonderful, Sonya! Signe came home from school that day so much lighter in spirit. I'm not sure how to find it, but I wrote about the first talk last winter/spring last year on this site. That went really well.
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